A Jewel in the Making

She is an upcoming artist who has been making music all her life. But it was the spotlight of the 1st Visayan Music Pop Festival (VisPop) last May that made her voice known. Pitch-perfect pop folk singer Jewel Villaflores, alongside her brother, guitarist extraordinaire Joe Edward, won VisPop as the very first Grand Champion for writing the current radio favorite “Duyog,” which also scored VisPop’s Best Interpreter and People’s Choice Award.

Born and raised in Hilongos, Leyte, 20-year-old Jewel Villalores started her stint at songwriting at the age of 6 with her brother, Joe. “We used to sing and write about random stuff when we had nothing to do,” she started. It was their older sister who taught the two to play the guitar and her aunt, being the passionate piano-playing relative that she is, pushed them both to work their fingers across the keys.

Jewel and Joe perform as guests in GMA’s Buena Mano.

What started with piano instrumentals, drum solos and guitar chord patterns eventually became a collection of tunes about the quirks they enjoy in life. “We used to write about stars, love and time machines and none of them made sense,” she jokes.

Now a Communications graduate of Saint Theresa’s College, Jewel is set to work with Joe to make more music in the future.

Influenced by her love for jazz and indie music, what inspires her to pursue songwriting is life’s beauty and the feelings that surround it. “Life is full of stories,” she said. “I want to capture each story or feeling through my songs.”

As a tip to fellow songwriters who aspire to share their music, Jewel said, “Writing a song is like taking a picture. You can hold onto it forever. So, please continue what you’re doing because it’s a gift and the world has all its ears open.”

Jewel and Joe win as VISPOP Grand Champion.

With excellent pop sensibility, keen musicianship and a proven ear for a great tone, she’s earned a voice so rich, expressive and soulful that it delivers melodic tones well beyond her years. As a storyteller, Jewel has the gift to mesmerize her audience from her very first note.

And she does it so effortlessly.

Don’t miss out on real Cebuano talent! For updates and more information on this Cebuano songstress, like her Facebook page: Jewel Villaflores.